Green Terror

Overview

• Scientific Name: Andinoacara rivulatus
• Common Names: Green Terror, Gold Saum, White Saum, Rivulatus
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Native to the river basins of Peru and Ecuador in South America.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Green Terrors can grow quite large, reaching up to 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm), with males generally being larger than females.
• Coloration:
  • Their body is predominantly iridescent green or blue with hints of metallic green, turquoise, or gold.
  • Males often have a prominent orange or gold trim along the edges of the dorsal and tail fins (hence the name "Gold Saum").
  • Females are generally smaller and have less pronounced coloration.
  • The males may also develop a nuchal hump (a large bump on the forehead) as they mature, especially during breeding.
• Body Shape: They have a robust, elongated body with long dorsal and anal fins. Their broad head and large mouth give them an imposing appearance.

Behavior

• Temperament: Green Terrors are aggressive and territorial, particularly during breeding. They can be highly combative with other fish, especially other cichlids, and are known to assert dominance in their territory.
• Activity Level: They are active fish, spending a lot of time swimming around the tank. They explore their environment and will often rearrange the substrate or decorations.
• Sociability: It's best to keep them in a species-only tank or with other large, robust fish that can stand up to their aggression.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Due to their size and territorial nature, a minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for a single Green Terror. For a breeding pair or a community setup, 75 gallons or larger is preferable.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) — They prefer slightly warmer water.
  • pH Level: 6.5 to 8.0 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
  • Water Hardness: Moderate hardness is best (8 to 15 dGH).
• Substrate: Use sand or fine gravel as a substrate, as Green Terrors may dig or rearrange their environment.
• Tank Setup:
  • Decorations: Provide plenty of rocks, caves, and driftwood to create hiding places and territories. This will help reduce aggression.
  • Plants: Green Terrors are known to uproot or damage plants, so choose sturdy plants or use artificial plants if necessary.
  • Filtration: A powerful filtration system is essential due to their size and the amount of waste they produce. Maintain excellent water quality with regular water changes.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient, as it helps bring out their beautiful iridescent colors.

Diet

• Feeding: Green Terrors are omnivores, and they thrive on a varied diet:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes should be the staple of their diet.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill.
  • Vegetables such as blanched spinach, peas, or zucchini can also be included to provide fiber.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, offering as much food as they can consume in 2-3 minutes.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Green Terrors are biparental breeders, meaning both parents take care of the eggs and fry. Males and females form strong breeding pairs but can become very aggressive toward tank mates and each other if not properly matched.
• Spawning: Breeding is triggered by slightly warmer water (around 78°F to 80°F). They will clean a flat surface like a rock where the female will lay hundreds of eggs.
• Parental Care: Both parents guard the eggs, which hatch in about 3 to 4 days. Fry become free-swimming within a week.
• Fry Care: Feed the fry baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. Parents usually protect the fry for the first few weeks.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Due to their aggressive nature, Green Terrors are best kept with other large, robust fish. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Other large cichlids (Oscars, Jack Dempseys, Texas Cichlids), but monitor for aggression.
  • Plecos or large catfish that can tolerate territorial behavior.
  • Avoid small, peaceful fish or species that could be bullied or eaten.
  • Separate pairs of Green Terrors from each other if necessary, as even bonded pairs can become overly aggressive.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Green Terrors can live up to 10 years or more in captivity, but this requires maintaining excellent water conditions and minimizing stress.

Health Considerations

• Water Quality Sensitivity: Like all large cichlids, Green Terrors are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes and high-quality filtration are crucial.
• Common Diseases: They can be prone to diseases like ich, fin rot, and hole-in-the-head disease if their tank is not well-maintained. Keep a close eye on water parameters to prevent illness.
• Aggression Management: Monitor for excessive aggression, especially during breeding, as they can injure or kill tank mates.

Interesting Facts

1. "Terror" Name: Despite their aggressive nature, their name "Green Terror" comes more from their boldness and vibrant appearance than from being dangerous to humans.
2. Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger than females and develop the distinctive nuchal hump on their head as they mature, particularly when they are breeding.
3. Territorial Behavior: They are known to establish and fiercely defend territories, often rearranging the substrate to their liking.